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Thermador, an appliance brand owned by BSH Home Appliances Corporation, markets a line of built-in dishwashers aimed at the luxury residential market. Thermador's dishwasher line is divided into four different model series, and even the least expensive of these series falls near the upper end of the price range for most residential dishwashers.

Emerald and Topaz Dishwashers

The Emerald series of dishwashers, at a retail price of around $1,300 at the time of publication, are the least expensive dishwasher models in Thermador's product line. Emerald models feature stainless steel interiors and a soil sensor that adjusts the dishwasher's cycle length and water usage according to the dirtiness of your dishes. The Topaz series is the next step up in the company's line; these models offer six different program options, as opposed to the Emerald's four options.The Topaz series dishwashers retail for approximately $1,500.

Sapphire Dishwashers

The Sapphire series adds an additional wash cycle to the four wash cycles of the Emerald and Topaz series dishwashers. Sapphire models also offer more flexible interior options, including folding tines and an adjustable third rack. The series also includes a blue interior light that illuminates the machine's wash tub when the door is open. The Sapphire series models retail for about $1,700, placing the series directly in the middle of the line between the low-end Emerald series and the high-end Star-Sapphire series.

Star-Sapphire Dishwashers

The Star-Sapphire series models are Thermador's most expensive dishwasher models, with a retail price of approximately $2,200. The Star-Sapphire's high-end features include a short 20-minute wash cycle option, extra-large wine glass capacity and a high-end touch control panel. The models also incorporate an exterior light that projects the time remaining in the wash cycle on the floor in front of the dishwasher, as well as the same blue interior light as that included in the Sapphire models.

Comparison to Other Brands

Thermador's luxury dishwashers, even the least expensive Emerald models, cost significantly more than the majority of built-in dishwasher models on the market, and even among luxury models, few dishwashers match the price point of the top-of-the-line Star-Sapphire models. Retail prices for luxury models from other major manufacturers tend cluster around the price level of Thermador's mid-range Topaz series.

About the Author

Evan Gillespie grew up working in his family's hardware and home-improvement business and is an experienced gardener. He has been writing on home, garden and design topics since 1996. His work has appeared in the South Bend Tribune, the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Arts Everywhere magazine and many other publications.